. >> reporter: the kecknology is used in smart cards. when the card is swiped over the reader, electricity runs through the coils in the ic card. the process is called electromagnetic induction. it happens when a magnet is moved through a coil. electricity is transferred to the coil. the same applies to integrated circuit passenger cards. the device that passengers swipe the cards over is an eelectromag neck. when the ic card is close to the machine, electromagnetic induction occurs and the data is transferred. researchers at the massachusetts institute of technology came up with ways to adapt this technology. they added new features to the coils and circuits. now, electricity can be transmitted from a distance ten times further than before. this triggered the development of new products worldwide. for example, researchers at the university of tokyo made floor tiles that can transmit electricity. an american i.t. company is working on a device that charges smartphones by placing a pad under a desk. >> translator: getting rid of cables, t